DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: mitch09 on October 19, 2011,
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I am getting ready to remove my PICs from my DMX dongles to flash them for pixel net Any tips for removal without breaking or bending pins. My first attempt didn't turn out so well
Ryan
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Ryan,
I bought this. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2294301#inTheBox
The chip pullers really come in handy. Check your local Radio Shack. They may sell the pullers separately.
John
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I've been very successful in just sliding a small flat-blade screwdriver through the end... then slowly work the screwdriver in while slowly rotating the screwdriver back and forth to separate the PIC away from the socket. do it slowly and try to reach the back before lifting the front away too soon.
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i have a solder tools kit that i bought from radio shack. one of the tools have a sharp point to get under the chip, and is slightly curved to help slowly pry up the chip.
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I've been very successful in just sliding a small flat-blade screwdriver through the end... then slowly work the screwdriver in while slowly rotating the screwdriver back and forth to separate the PIC away from the socket. do it slowly and try to reach the back before lifting the front away too soon.
Iwas gonna also suggest this method. However, although you can't always do it, I tend to try to twist just a little then do the same on the other end. Lather, rinse, repeat.
You want to be very careful so as not to bend any pins. Sometimes you can get lucky and can bend the pins back ONCE. ***If the bend is extreme, trying to bend it back to straight will result in the pin breaking off. ***
Like I said though sometimes close components wont allow room enough to do this on one end or sometimes both. If one end is blocked then you have no choice other then to do it just like Steve suggests unless you invest in a chip puller. However, sometimes close components dont allow a chip puller either.
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I have been in the electronics business for over 30 years and have tried many removal tools. My favorite method is the one described above by Steve Gase. I have better control over the removal process.
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I bought a puller similar to this, can't remember where but it works great.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/OK-Industries/S-340/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtyU1cDF2RqUC4wOxans1bJ6PZxenCasKg%3d
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My favorite tool is a set of ESD-safe tweezers, nice and thin to slide under a pic to get it up.
I bought a curved set to get in the tight areas. They are cheap here:
http://www.elexp.com/tol_1040.htm (http://www.elexp.com/tol_1040.htm)
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Thanks for the suggestions. I will give a go tonight.
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I bought a couple of these, but haven't needed to use them, so I'm not sure how well they work. They look the same as mentioned above though.
IC Puller (http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-IC-Puller/dp/B0002JEZ2I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3NUNNXXHUJDMF&s=hi&qid=1319134807&sr=1-2)
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for the tight areas ive been able to pick up a set of dental tools. they work really well.
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I have used the IC Puller described early in this chain and it generally works great. There are times when you will need to try something else.
I have used both of the following from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-pick-and-hook-set-66836.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-pick-set-93514.html
The main consideration is to go SLOW. If you are using the IC Puller, rock the tool gently to ensure that the IC is coming out straight and not fully engaged on one end while the other end has broken free. This will put a serious kink in one or more IC leg(s) and you may run the risk of breaking off the leg(s) when you try to straighten them out and/or when you attempt to insert the IC into another socket. When using another tool, dental pick, screw driver, etc. slightly lift one end of the IC then move to the the other. Continue alternating ends until the IC jumps out of the socket (hopefully with nearly straight legs).